Gryff

Life's path takes a sharp turn when a 10-week old puppy is thrown into the mix. Simple things that you take for granted are no longer an option. You can't get up during the night, because you might wake the puppy who will cry like a banshee for the next hour. You have to guard your furniture with the vigilance the big dog uses for guarding her bone because the puppy wants to chew on the corners of the coffee table and the sofa. He wants the remote, the mouse, and the power cord, so you hide them.

But, then you lay down for a nap-- and by some miracle the puppy is also tired and sleeps stretched out on your shoulder, breathing softly into your neck-- the trouble is all worth it.

He lookes at us with wonder in his eyes as he comes to live with us, unfamiliar new people and a big red dog. We look back at him and wonder - what will this new little being bring into our lives in the months and years ahead?

Suddenly Life Changes

Now we have a new puppy who is 10 weeks old. The changes that a new little addition to the family demands are like those for a new baby, only speeded up. He doesn't sleep through the night so we walk around half awake. At 15 pounds, he cuddles like a baby, but he also runs and jumps, a thing no human baby would do for almost another year. He sometimes lets us know when he has to go outside, but watch out! -- the cues are often subtle. And unlike any 10 week old baby, he has teeth. So far nothing has gotten chewed up, but then, he is still on his 1st set of teeth. At about the time a baby would be cutting teeth, he will be getting his adult teeth, long and sharp like wolf fangs, but in a head that will seem brainless.

Meanwhile, he is cute, sweet, cuddly, charming, and a marvel to be with.